Lysistrata stands in the foreground, guiding the men to peace, despite the fact that neither side wants to admit blame. She reminds the Spartans of Athenian assistance in the wake of the quake, and she likewise reminds the Athenians of Spartan assistance in overthrowing Hippias. "Why on fighting are your hearts so set? / For each of you is in the other's debt" (228). The Spartan and Athenian make peace, and the play ends with a song and dance by a Spartan in honor of the Athenian, for which the Athenian expresses his delight and admiration. The song, of course, is also a hymn of praise to the woman whose cunning has brought the war to a conclusion: "Pour thy grace upon oor peace; / Make the artful foxes cease; / Let guidwill and love increase / And prosperity!" (232). Honor and respect is shown to the very enemy with...
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